This week our group arrived in Tucson by plane on Monday and drove to the border towns of Douglas and Agua Prieta. We spent the week doing activities planned by the organization Frontera de Cristo. We started by visiting the border fence and learning the history that led to the fence that we see now. We also visited several sister organizations. They taught us about the support for the migrants passing through and we met with agents from the border patrol and had time to ask them questions. We were honored to take place in a cross-placing ceremony that commemorated the lives of two migrants who died in the desert. The community invited us into their homes for many great meals.

Over this past week, we have traveled from Mexico City to San Francisco to the border of Arizona and Mexico. It has been a shift of perspective and realities as we have moved further north in Mexico to work with an organization named Frontera de Cristo, which translates to Christ’s Border. For most of the group, this was the first time that we had seen the wall, which in reality is a fence with mesh and barbed wire, and it made things much more real for me. Coming from our time in Mexico City where we worked and listened with a group of migrants at Casa Tochan, I couldn’t help but think what their futures will look like when staring at a border that is designed to divide and keep people out. With this, we also had the opportunity to learn more about the infrastructure of the wall, see changes that were made during different presidencies, and also hear perspectives from all sides, such as hearing from two border patrol agents.

Through all of this, my perspective has been changed and pushed because the more we have learned the less I feel I know. The situation at the U.S. – Mexico border is complex, but what I do know is that all people deserve human rights and respect. No matter what side of the border or what status a person has, they are a loved child of God.

Thank you Frontero de Cristo for your hospitality and learning opportunities.

-Rose Short

This week we wrapped up our time in Guatemala and traveled to Mexico City. On Monday, we had an 91¶ĚĘÓƵ class as an orientation for our time in Mexico. We left early Tuesday morning for the airport and arrived in Mexico City in the afternoon. On Wednesday, we divided into small groups and visited various museums around the city. On Thursday, we had an orientation at Casa Tochan, a non-profit organization that provides housing for male migrants. Friday and Saturday we volunteered there, helping with cooking and various other tasks. We also spent time connecting with the men who live there. Sunday, we attended a Palm Sunday processional
in the city and enjoyed a free afternoon.

This week we traveled to the second country of our semester, Mexico! We said our goodbyes to the wonderful Semilla staff, and left for the airport at 3:00 a.m. It was a good travel day, arriving in Mexico City around 2:00 p.m. We are staying at a church conference center near the Olympic stadium, which a couple of us went to see in person while out on a run.

This week we have been busy. Day one we went out in smaller groups to explore the city and tour some museums. Friday and Saturday we started our volunteer portion at Casa Tochan. Casa Tochan is a refugee shelter in Mexico City, mainly housing men fleeing violence in their home countries. We are helping to prepare

and serve food as well as some other tasks. On our down time we have been able to talk with guys, and it has been interesting to hear stories about their journeys. We have two more days of volunteering, then other activities here before we fly to Arizona.

It’s crazy to think we only have two weeks before we are headed back to Harrisonburg! It is a bittersweet moment for sure. We are all learning so much and exploring new things, but also ready to be reunited with family and friends.

-Sarah Wheeler

Our group gathered for a day at Semilla after free travel then Sunday morning we left for our service learning assignments. Zoe and Amanda stayed in the city at ClĂ­nica Jac de Wit. Caleb, Sam and Malachi went to Comalapa to work with Rujotay. Malia, Emae and Payton went to Santiago Atitlan to work with Anadesa. Sarah, Kaylin and Ivy went to San Juan Atitlan to work with AMI. Claire, Nathan, Noah and Esme went to Alta Verapaz to work with CCFC. Rose went to Santiago Atitlan to work with ADISA. Liz and Lily went to San Pedro Carcha to work with Sembrando Esperanza.

I have definitely learned a lot during my first week of community learning. I am placed at a private clinic in the city called Community Health Center Jac de Wit, with one other student, Zoe. We arrive each morning at 6:00 a.m. to start our day with a wonderful breakfast made at the clinic. We have observed different parts of the clinic like the lab, in-patient area, and the emergency area. We also helped with their monthly inventory checks. In the lab we helped test blood and learned about that process.

Overall, we have observed a lot of patient care. The clinic can be slow sometimes, but that gives us time to talk to and connect with workers here. They have all been very welcoming to us. They are excited to show us their jobs and are patient with our Spanish. I will always remember their kindness. Each person I’ve worked with has shown great interest in my story, and I’ve loved getting to know them. I’m excited to use what I have learned here, at school and in my future career.

-Amanda Yoder

For our two weeks of service, a few others and I were tasked with working at Community Cloud Forest Conservation. The organization partners with local teachers to provide classes for local students and teach leadership skills and more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. During our time there, we got to work side by side with the teachers as they did a variety of activities in the forest. Some of the things we did included harvesting vegetables, preparing soil at the tree nursery, and cooking meals for the group. Throughout our time, we were able to connect with those working at the conservatory, as well as the beautiful landscape around us. We were able to learn about sustainable agricultural practices and really be involved in the process of developing the land in a healthy way. We had a wonderful time being able to learn from and spend time with the teachers here, providing unique perspectives on life here in Guatemala.

– Nathan Miller

Fifteen women’s voices ebb and flow in the dance of conflict, some louder, some softer, some with much to say, others with few words. Don Carlos, having stood to leave, removes his backpack from his shoulders and slides back into the green plastic patio chair. He nods and listens, careful not to interrupt. I understand little to none of the conversation taking place in Q’eqchi’.
In the midst of all this, a young girl named Helen in a teal huipil and colorful corte, bounds up to me, making sculptures with her already-been-chewed gum and asking me to guess what it is. A baby chick marches in through the open doorway, pecking at crumbs along the red concrete floor, dropping its poo as an offering in the middle of the meeting. I sit on the bed in the corner near the door, outside of which, trees, taro, cabbage, and cardamom grow along steep hills.
These neighbors are connected by dirt paths and bloodlines. They can’t agree on where to construct their community hoop house that will allow them to more carefully tend higher quantities of vegetable starts, and one leader is ready to give up her role as Agriculture Promoter due to the disagreement. Suddenly, Don Carlos motions us to stand up and join the circle. I watch him slip off his baseball cap and follow suit with my own.
Thus begins the cacophony of voices raised to the heavens, blending the Q’eqchi’ ˛ú˛ą˛Ô’tľ±´Çłć (thank you) with more familiar Spanish words like bendiga (bless). Everyone prays aloud, all at once, louder and louder. I am reminded of how, at the beginning of it all, God created order out of chaos with the spoken word dabar and it was very good. Likewise, God hears these spoken prayers all at once, and in this collaborative way of asking God for mercy, powerful transformation takes place.
I am later told that the women reconciled, and construction of the hoop house will continue. A few won’t join, but “for those who are compelled to work, who will stop them?” By the time we walk out into the fresh, sweet-smelling air, we have stayed well over an hour beyond the first time Don Carlos stood up to leave.

– Liz Miller, Sembrando Esperanza-ODIGUA,
San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz

This week we heard from a few speakers, one speaking about Mennonites in Central America, another about Catholicism and Liberation Theology, and we heard from a group from Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) about their work and opportunities.
It was our last week of Spanish classes and our last week with our host families. Thursday we had our final exams. Friday we had our closing program for class, and in the evening we had a banquet with our families to enjoy our last bit of time together and say goodbye. Then on Saturday, we left for our week of free travel.

This week marked the end of a chapter here in Guatemala. It was the last week of Spanish classes and host families. We said goodbye to the routine that we have known since we arrived here in Guatemala. For me, this week was unlike any other I’ve experienced. It was deeply saddening to say goodbye to the people who have taken me into their family and loved me like their own. During our 91¶ĚĘÓƵ class this week, Wendell introduced the quote by Ernest Hemingway
when he was answering how he went bankrupt. Hemingway replied, “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” Wendell challenged us to think about the ways that we have seen changes in our experience here in Guatemala occurring gradually and then suddenly.

This made me reflect on my time with my host family. In the beginning, I felt overwhelmed and scared. The communication barrier made it hard to connect. I wondered how I was going to make it through two months of this. However, in gradual ways, I began to feel deeply loved and known by my host family. My host dad brought me an apple every night before bed. My host mom made me a
handmade bookmark when she noticed that I didn’t have one. On days when I felt the most tired or sad, they made me laugh. They helped me plan my free travel week. We ate a lot of good food together! Every meal was filled with laughter and story-telling.

Suddenly, it’s my last week with them and the thought of saying goodbye feels deeply painful. With tears in their eyes, they
pulled me in tightly and told me that I was always welcome in Guatemala and in their family. It was hard for me to put into words all that I felt in that moment. Words couldn’t express my gratitude. They have impacted me so deeply. All I did was show up, and they have taken me in as a part of their family. I have felt so seen, loved, and cared for. I want to hold on to this feeling, and I want to make others feel this way too. I have experienced God’s love through the ways they have gradually shown me kindness.

– Zoe Clymer 3/16/25

Guatemala is known as La Tierra de Primavera Eterna, or the Land of Eternal Spring. It is evident that this saying holds true in the natural beauty of this country; from the rainforests in the highlands of Tikal to the Pacific Coast in the lowlands. However, this saying also strongly reflects the attitude of the Guatemalans I have met along this journey. The empathy and sense of welcoming that I have received from countless hospitality is truly inspiring. For example, we have visited numerous organizations in the city and across Guatemala that are non-government organizations (NGO’s) that work for justice in a variety of social issues: abuse/assault, those seeking refuge, migration trauma, domestic violence, poverty, and more. These attitudes of persistence and hope remind me of a spring longing to arrive after an extended, harsh winter.

-Claire Hurst

This week was centered around economics in Guatemala. On Monday and Tuesday we had guest speakers that talked about the economy in Guatemala and how it differs from other economies in the world. Wednesday, we visited the brewery Zapote of the Guatemalan brand of beer, Gallo. On Thursday we had our weekly 91¶ĚĘÓƵ class and Friday we had the afternoon off.

Saturday morning we left for Volcano Pacaya and spent the morning hiking to the top, where we roasted marshmallows on the volcanic rocks! Next, we drove to Antigua and spent the afternoon and evening exploring the city. On Sunday, we spent the morning visiting a local chocolate factory in Antigua and in the afternoon we traveled to our hotel in Monterrico, Guatemala. We spent the evening enjoying the pools and the ocean!

Faith Reflection

It has been interesting hearing more from my host mom about her religious ties. The conversation began when she asked me what my favorite verse is, and I told her Isaiah 41:10, but I didn’t know it in Spanish. She went and got her bible, because she said she doesn’t read Isaiah, and had me read the verse. This was a really cool point of connection for me that we were able to connect despite different languages, cultures and denominations. Believing in the same God and being united around that, despite other differences, is a really cool experience.

I also enjoyed listening to my host mom’s experience with religion throughout her life. I learned that she grew up Catholic. Her whole family was a part of the Catholic church, parents and grandparents, but she didn’t like it. I wasn’t able to catch all of the reasoning behind it, however, I think it was something about people not seeing the full truth, and that they pray to Mary and God. Because of her reasons for not liking the Catholic church, she left at 16 and started going to an Evangelical church where she still goes now (on occasion).

Her children were raised Evangelical but some don’t go to church, some go occasionally, some have spouses who come from other denominations, or they have converted, like my host sister. My mom said she didn’t like that my sister converted, but she is respectful of her decision. These kinds of conversations can be harder for me because I feel like I lack a lot of vocabulary needed.

-Rose Short

After a full week away from the city it was time to settle back into Spanish class and host family stays. This week was focused on the Health and Education systems in Guatemala. First, we compared private to public health care. Then we went to a public elementary school and spent some time playing with the students. To finish the week we went to the University of San Carlos, the only public university in Guatemala, and toured some of the buildings.

After completing another week in Guatemala, I have come to the conclusion that I like living here very much. I have gotten used to the daily routine of waking up early to then embark on a two-hour commute by bus. A commute that a lot of people here are used to doing every day for work or school. Monday starts a fresh week, meaning I have 64 days left on this intercultural trip. 64 days means 64 opportunities. Opportunities that I am very grateful to have. Opportunities to learn and share a culture with the many wonderful friends I have made and have yet to make. I am so grateful that I have taken this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come on this trip. However, even though this semester may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, that doesn’t mean the many memories, experiences, and friendships are gone once I step foot back on 91¶ĚĘÓƵ campus.

-Malachi Cornelius

For much of this past week, we were at the (CCFC) in the Coban area of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Tuesday was a travel day with a long bus ride, arriving at CCFC later in the day. We spent Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday learning about the important work and programs that CCFC is carrying out, participated in some work, and did some fun activities. A very important program they have is called WALC, or Women in Agroecology Leadership for Conservation. This program allows young girls from villages around the area who may be facing various issues in their community or household to participate in this program to learn about ecology, agroecology, life, health, types of violence, leadership, and more. It can also provide many opportunities for their future education, work, and family life. Some of our work projects included digging, planting, and watering various plants, and working with composting and different parcels on the land. Some of the other fun activities we got to do included hiking to and exploring two caves, swimming in a stream, some people playing soccer, dancing with the girls from the villages, and also having some free time. The food there was also fresh and tasty. Saturday morning we left CCFC and then returned to our host families for the remainder of the weekend.

Simple Songs

This has been a wonderful trip, but I am lowkey looking forward to returning to the city tomorrow. Life out here is so much more peaceful, but I do miss flushing toilets and not so many mosquitos. The last two days have been a blast. I just have some highlights from my experience.

• Yesterday I had a blast problem-solving hooking up the hydroelectric power to the normally solar-powered batteries. I hope that doesn’t give them any trouble in the future.
• This morning the hike to the upper cave was so beautiful to take in, and it was so fun to explore the cave without a guide.
• Swimming in the river with Noah has probably been one of my favorite memories to date, just something crazy not everyone gets to do.
• Making homemade ice cream this afternoon was pretty fun, and the taste was a great reminder of home for me.
• Lastly, watching the documentary was super impactful. It was so well made.

Meals the last few days have been good and fun, eating good food with the team at CCFC. They always pray before each meal either in Quiqche or Spanish, but one song has stood out to me. The song talks about giving thanks for the given item of food on the table. We sang it so many times, but it was a really simple yet meaningful way to thank God for the food we were about to eat. I really liked the last line, which thanks God for the love he shows us as his children, or something to that extent. That’s all for now…

-Caleb Metzler